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Master of
Conservation Biology

Overview

Master the the science of conservation, ecology and biodiversity to find effective solutions in securing the world's biological diversity.

The Master of Conservation Biology program will show you how to use science to support conservation strategies and policies. It integrates conservation, ecology and biodiversity – with a focus on the problems of restoring and maintaining viable populations of animal and plant species, and natural and managed ecosystems – so you can better confront complex conservation problems.

This program is taught by world-class experts, in an intensive mode that allows you to complete the equivalent of one and a half academic years in just 12 months.

You'll deepen your understanding of all aspects of biodiversity and conservation, environmental philosophy, national and international conservation policy, and systematic conservation decision-making processes. In addition to advanced-level coursework, you'll complete more than a month of fieldwork at unique sites, including subtropical rainforests, national parks, outback Australia, UQ’s Heron Island and Moreton Bay research stations, and the Solomon Islands.

Career possibilities

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

Endangered species ecologist

Biodiversity educator

National parks and wildlife officer

Natural resources manager

Policy developer

Agribusiness consultant

Zoologist

Bush regeneration consultant

Ecotourism manager

Environment and sustainability consultant

Graduate salary

Agriculture & environmental studies (postgraduate)

$72K–$84K

compared.edu.au

“The course is brilliantly put together, the content is well delivered and the field trips serve as powerful reminders of what it is that we as conservationists are fighting to save.”

Lenn Isidore

Graduate, Master of Conservation Biology

“The exposure to working in the field in various ecosystems as part of my degree with an international cohort helped me to land a job as a conservation biologist in Mauritius before I had even completed my studies.”

Jonathan Gnanapragasan

Graduate, Master of Conservation Biology

“The course is brilliantly put together, the content is well delivered and the field trips serve as powerful reminders of what it is that we as conservationists are fighting to save.”

Lenn Isidore

Graduate, Master of Conservation Biology

“The exposure to working in the field in various ecosystems as part of my degree with an international cohort helped me to land a job as a conservation biologist in Mauritius before I had even completed my studies.”

Need help meeting the entry requirements?

Additional application information

Domestic students enrolled in the Master of Conservation Biology may be eligible to receive Commonwealth Government income support payments. Please contact Centrelink to determine eligibility.

A limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for domestic students. CSP students pay a student contribution amount, rather than paying tuition fees. Domestic students who apply for entry to the program will automatically be considered for a CSP. CSPs are limited and are not guaranteed for all domestic applicants. More information about Commonwealth supported places.

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Conservation Biology are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.

Centrelink support

Indicative annual fee

AUD $28,330

Indicative annual fee 2020

Fee information for 2021 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2020.

This indicative annual fee is the average cost of enrolling in the Master of Conservation Biology at 2021 fee rates. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).

If you complete this program in one year with a study load of 24 units, the actual annual fee will be higher. Fees will vary according to your choice of courses, the number of courses you enrol in, their unit value, and the time you take to complete this program.

Fees may be higher in later years or if you commence the program mid-year, as all fees are reviewed annually.

A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are offered for this program on the basis of academic merit. Once all CSPs have been exhausted, offers may be made on a tuition fee paying basis.